Let’s Talk About Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock FT Winchester 70 One Piece Floor Plate Super Short Action FBC
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock FT Winchester 70 One Piece Floor Plate Super Short Action FBC is designed as a replacement stock for Winchester Model 70 rifles with a super short action and a one-piece floor plate. Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks aims to offer an affordable yet aesthetically pleasing and functional upgrade to factory stocks, particularly appealing to those looking to improve the feel and appearance of their rifle without breaking the bank. This particular stock features a Featherweight Thumbhole design and a Forest Camo finish.
My trusty old Winchester 70 had served me well for years, but its factory synthetic stock always felt… well, cheap. I was on the hunt for a stock that not only looked better but also provided a more solid and comfortable feel, something that would enhance my overall shooting experience on hunting trips. I was specifically looking for a thumbhole design for better ergonomics and recoil management.
Upon unboxing the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock FT Winchester 70 One Piece Floor Plate Super Short Action FBC, I was immediately impressed by the finish of the wood and the vibrant Forest Camo pattern. The weight felt substantial, promising a more stable shooting platform compared to the lightweight synthetic stock I was replacing. The thumbhole design looked ergonomic and well-suited for comfortable handling.
I considered stocks from McMillan and HS Precision, known for their exceptional quality and customizability, but the price point was significantly higher. Bell and Carlson also offered attractive options, but I was drawn to the thumbhole design and the specific aesthetics of the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock FT Winchester 70 One Piece Floor Plate Super Short Action FBC. Ultimately, the balance of price, features, and visual appeal made this Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks stock the winner.
My initial reaction was a mix of excitement and cautious optimism. I was excited about the potential improvement in feel and aesthetics, but also a bit apprehensive about the fitting process and whether it would truly live up to my expectations in the field. Only time and real-world use would tell if the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock FT Winchester 70 One Piece Floor Plate Super Short Action FBC was the upgrade I was hoping for.
Real-World Testing: Putting Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock FT Winchester 70 One Piece Floor Plate Super Short Action FBC to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock FT Winchester 70 One Piece Floor Plate Super Short Action FBC was at my local shooting range, preparing for deer season. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze. I wanted to get a feel for the stock’s performance with different grain weights of ammunition.
The most immediately noticeable difference was the enhanced grip and stability provided by the thumbhole design. The stock felt incredibly secure in my hands, allowing for more consistent and controlled shots. I noticed a slight reduction in felt recoil, likely due to the increased weight and the improved ergonomics of the thumbhole.
The only minor issue I encountered was a slight tightness when bedding the action; it required a bit of gentle persuasion with a rubber mallet to seat correctly. Other than that, the installation was straightforward, and the improvement in handling was immediately apparent.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including a successful deer hunt and numerous trips to the range, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock FT Winchester 70 One Piece Floor Plate Super Short Action FBC has proven to be a reliable and worthwhile upgrade. The Forest Camo finish has held up remarkably well, with only minor scuffs and scratches from regular use in the field. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth has been sufficient to maintain its appearance.
The stock has remained solid and secure, showing no signs of warping or cracking despite exposure to varying weather conditions. Compared to the original synthetic stock, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock FT Winchester 70 One Piece Floor Plate Super Short Action FBC offers a significantly improved shooting experience, providing better accuracy and a more comfortable feel. It truly elevated my confidence while hunting.
Breaking Down the Features of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock FT Winchester 70 One Piece Floor Plate Super Short Action FBC
Specifications
- Gun Type: Rifle. Designed specifically for rifles, ensuring a comfortable and stable shooting platform.
- Gun Model: Winchester Model 70. Guarantees a precise fit for Winchester Model 70 rifles with a super short action and one-piece floor plate.
- Action Length: Short Action. This is crucial for ensuring proper bolt cycling and overall functionality of the rifle.
- Additional Features: Finished. The stock comes pre-finished, saving time and effort compared to unfinished options.
- Fabric/Material: Wood. Provides a classic look and feel, while also potentially improving recoil absorption.
- Featherweight Thumbhole Design. Offers improved ergonomics and recoil management, enhancing the overall shooting experience.
- Factory Barrel Channel. Allows for drop-in installation with factory barrels, simplifying the upgrade process.
- Forest Camo Finish. Provides effective camouflage in wooded environments, ideal for hunting.
These specifications are critical because they directly impact the fit, feel, and performance of the rifle. The precise fit for the Winchester Model 70 ensures proper function and accuracy, while the wooden construction and thumbhole design enhance the overall shooting experience.
Performance & Functionality
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock FT Winchester 70 One Piece Floor Plate Super Short Action FBC performs exceptionally well, significantly improving the overall shooting experience with my Winchester 70. Its enhanced ergonomics and stability translate into more accurate and consistent shots, both at the range and in the field. The thumbhole design allows for a natural and comfortable grip, promoting better control and reducing felt recoil.
One notable strength is the ease of installation, particularly with a factory barrel. A minor weakness is that some may find the “drop-in” fit slightly tight and need to do minor fitting. Overall, it far exceeded my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock FT Winchester 70 One Piece Floor Plate Super Short Action FBC is impressive, especially considering the price point. The wood feels solid and well-finished, and the Forest Camo pattern is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The weight adds a welcome stability to the rifle without making it cumbersome to carry.
The thumbhole design is exceptionally user-friendly, providing a comfortable and secure grip that enhances control and reduces fatigue. There’s virtually no learning curve; it feels natural and intuitive from the first use.
Durability & Maintenance
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock FT Winchester 70 One Piece Floor Plate Super Short Action FBC appears to be quite durable, showing minimal signs of wear and tear after months of regular use. The finish is resistant to scratches and scuffs, and the wood seems well-sealed against moisture.
Maintenance is straightforward; a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth after each use is typically sufficient. Occasional application of a wood protectant can help maintain the finish and prevent drying or cracking.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock FT Winchester 70 One Piece Floor Plate Super Short Action FBC doesn’t come with additional accessories, focusing primarily on the stock itself. However, the stock is compatible with various aftermarket accessories, such as different recoil pads and sling swivel studs.
Given its standard dimensions, it should also work with most bipods and other accessories designed for rifles with similar stock configurations. Consider adding a cheek riser if you plan to use a high-powered scope.
Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock FT Winchester 70 One Piece Floor Plate Super Short Action FBC
Pros
- Improved Ergonomics: The Featherweight Thumbhole design offers a comfortable and secure grip, enhancing control and reducing fatigue.
- Enhanced Accuracy: The increased stability and solid feel contribute to more accurate and consistent shooting.
- Aesthetically Pleasing: The Forest Camo finish provides a visually appealing upgrade to the rifle’s appearance.
- Affordable Upgrade: Offers a significant improvement over factory stocks at a reasonable price point.
- Relatively Easy Installation: The factory barrel channel allows for drop-in installation, simplifying the upgrade process.
Cons
- Minor Fitting May Be Required: Some users may encounter a tight fit and need to do minor adjustments.
- Wood Stock Requires Care: Wood stocks require more maintenance than synthetic stocks to prevent damage from moisture or dryness.
Who Should Buy Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock FT Winchester 70 One Piece Floor Plate Super Short Action FBC?
Perfect for: Hunters looking to improve the feel and performance of their Winchester Model 70 without spending a fortune will greatly benefit. Also, recreational shooters seeking a more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing stock option will enjoy this upgrade. Anyone who appreciates the classic look and feel of a wood stock will be pleased with the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock FT Winchester 70 One Piece Floor Plate Super Short Action FBC.
Who should skip this product? Those who prioritize absolute weather resistance and minimal maintenance might prefer a high-end synthetic stock from brands like McMillan or Manners. Shooters requiring a fully customizable stock with adjustable features may also find this Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks stock lacking.
Must-have accessories or modifications? Consider adding a high-quality recoil pad to further reduce felt recoil. A cheek riser may be necessary if using a scope with a large objective lens to achieve proper eye alignment. Sling swivel studs are essential for attaching a sling for convenient carrying in the field.
Conclusion on Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock FT Winchester 70 One Piece Floor Plate Super Short Action FBC
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock FT Winchester 70 One Piece Floor Plate Super Short Action FBC is an excellent upgrade for anyone looking to improve the feel, performance, and aesthetics of their Winchester Model 70 rifle. Its combination of improved ergonomics, enhanced accuracy, and appealing aesthetics make it a worthwhile investment.
The price is definitely justified, especially considering the significant improvement over factory synthetic stocks. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone seeking an affordable yet effective upgrade.
In short, if you’re looking to breathe new life into your Winchester 70 and enhance your shooting experience, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock FT Winchester 70 One Piece Floor Plate Super Short Action FBC is a solid choice that delivers on its promises. Go ahead and give your rifle the upgrade it deserves!